A New Take on Classic Cocktails at Truxton Inn

If you’re looking for a new neighborhood cocktail bar, look no further than Truxton Inn. Mark your calendars, owner Matt Weiss (201 Bar, Barrel, Union Pub, and McClellan’s Retreat) is opening up his latest spot May 2nd.

Located at the corner of Florida Ave NW and 3rd Street NW, Truxton Inn offers a cozy retreat from the hustle and bustle of DC. The decor in the bar is all dark wood and leather and a green marble bar – I instantly felt like I was at a hotel bar tucked away somewhere in Scotland. Patio seating will also be coming shortly (because here in DC, we love a good patio).

Pineapple lamps!

The bar will have wine and beer as well, but I dare you not to be tempted by the cocktail list. The cocktail menu is done in two parts. The first is a list of six classic cocktails, such as an Old Fashioned, Negroni, and Manhattan. The second part is a list of six “Recommendations”, bar man Brian Nixon’s interpretation of those classics. The menu will rotate every other month. The “Recommendations” were the featured drinks when we were invited to check out the bar in advance of the official opening.

First of all, Nixon and his team have done an unbelievable job. I honestly don’t think you’re going to find anything you don’t like on this menu. My proof of this is the “Congressman’s Lunch” – a take on the classic martini featuring Ford’s Gin or Civic Vodka, Lustau Fino Sherry, Cocchi Americano, Pickle Brine, and Lemon Bitters. Now, I don’t like vodka and I don’t like pickles, so I let fellow contributor Gabby try this one. I did brave a sip – and wow – this was delicious. So if these guys can take two ingredients I stay far away from and make them taste fantastic, I have full faith in anything they mix up.

Truxton Inn’s “Recommendations” – their take on classic cocktails

Other drinks we tried were the “JFK on Vacay”, a take on the classic daiquiri and a crowd favorite. The subtle hint of pineapple came from the Maui Pineapple Rum featured in the drink. Other ingredients were Rhum Agricole, Passionfruit, Lime, and House-made Mulled Simple Syrup. It was light, it was refreshing, and it was delicious. Plus, to all you Snapchatters and Instagramers, it’s super photogenic.

The “No Sé-Groni”

The “No Sé-Groni” features Ilegal Joven Mezcal, Peychaud’s Aperitivo, and Punt E Mes. It’s super smokey from the mezcal with a hint of bitter orange. If you’re new to Mezcal, it’s a great introduction. One of my favorite drinks of the night was “A Short Commute”, containing Rittenhouse Rye, Boomsma Cloosterbitter, Angostura Amaro, Fee Bros, and Aztec Chocolate Bitters. This was a definite standout – slightly sweet and incredibly smooth.

The “A Short Commute”

For food, Truxton Inn will be serving a variety of popcorn (with flavors such as salt and vinegar, sour cream and onion, and sriracha) and kolaches from Republic Kolache. That half-smoke kolache is going to be great paired with the No Sé-Groni.

Don’t take my word for it though, head over there yourself and let us know what you think!

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Ashley is a New Jersey native who loves to explore food and culture through travel. When not dreaming of drinking rosé in the Jardin des Tuileries, she satisfies her wanderlust with DC's diverse dining scene.

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